43 Best Hanukkah Recipes: Traditional Jewish Favorites and Modern Twists

Hanukkah is here — the menorah’s glowing, dreidels are spinning, and your kitchen’s practically begging for a fry-up. Maybe you’ve got eight nights of feasting ahead, or maybe it’s just one big latke night. Either way, this lineup delivers all the crispy, cozy, fried-in-oil goodness you’re craving.

Ever wondered why we spin dreidels or load up on latkes every December? Get the backstory (and a few fun facts) in Hanukkah Explained: The Story Behind the Menorah, Dreidel, and Latkes — it’ll make your next round of sufganiyot trivia a lot more impressive.

Now, speaking of sweets... once the last candle flickers out, dessert is where the real celebration begins. From rugelach to jelly donuts, check out Jewish Dessert Ideas: From Rugelach to Jelly Donuts for all the sugary, golden-fried joy your Hanukkah table deserves.

Think golden potato pancakes, gooey cheese-filled latkes, and steaming bowls of matzo ball soup — plus treats that’ll keep everyone hanging around the table long after the menorah’s done shining. This isn’t just dinner; it’s nostalgia, laughter, and that unmistakable scent of sizzling oil that says “the holidays are officially on.”

Ready to light up your table? Let’s dig into the best Hanukkah recipes for every craving — savory, sweet, and everything in between.

Classic potato latkes get an ooey-gooey upgrade with three kinds of melted cheese tucked inside. Crispy, golden, and totally irresistible — these will be gone before you say “gelt.”

Glazed with honey and butter until shiny and sweet — simple, nostalgic, and oh-so-festive.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this brisket is sweet, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth tender — a centerpiece worthy of all eight nights.

Fruity, bright, and baked — a fresh, vegan-friendly twist on sufganiyot.

Deeply rich and fall-off-the-bone tender, these short ribs are the kind of dish that makes everyone linger at the table.

Crispy artichokes with a creamy dipping sauce — Mediterranean meets Hanukkah in this unexpected but totally addictive side.

Twisted and gorgeous — the green pistachio layers make this babka pure edible art.

Easy, cozy, and perfectly golden — this one-pan wonder feels just right for the season of light.

The ultimate Jewish comfort food — fluffy matzo balls bobbing in golden broth, guaranteed to heal all (especially post-latke fatigue).

Delicate, smoky, and full of flavor — this salmon is perfect for lighter Hanukkah feasting with a coastal twist.

All the crispy glory of classic latkes without the splatter — just press, flip, and enjoy golden perfection straight from the waffle iron.

Bright, aromatic, and naturally gluten-free — a nod to Sephardic Hanukkah flavors.

Colorful, comforting, and perfectly roasted — this side dish brings seasonal balance to all that fried food glory.

A no-fry, all-fun version of the Hanukkah favorite — with jammy filling and a snowy dusting of sugar.

Green beans dressed up for the holidays — crisp, savory, and a perfect pairing for brisket or chicken.

The ultimate Hanukkah essential. Shredded potatoes, sizzling oil, and that perfect crunch — because some traditions should never change.

Smashed, roasted, and topped with tangy feta — the kind of potato dish that steals the spotlight from the latkes.

Smooth, creamy, and luxuriously simple — the perfect side for rich mains like brisket or short ribs.

A citrusy, aromatic roast that fills the kitchen with warmth — for when you want that showstopper main without the brisket wait.

Mini, boozy, and dangerously snackable — grown-up sufganiyot for late-night candle glow.

Golden, fluffy, and braided with care — the ultimate symbol of abundance and sharing.

Rich, gooey, and outrageously chocolatey — because miracles deserve chocolate too.

An elegant, Mediterranean-leaning cake where roasted grapes add jammy pockets and fennel gives a delicate anise note — olive oil keeps it moist and perfectly Hanukkah-appropriate.

A hearty, earthy twist on traditional kugel that’s just as comforting, but with a modern veggie spin.

Flaky pastries rolled with jam and nuts — little bites of Jewish bakery heaven.

Soft, nutty rolls with a hint of sesame — perfect for scooping up sauces or pairing with soup.

Sweet, citrusy, and brunch-approved — a post-candlelight breakfast you’ll wish was every morning.

Golden-fried and jam-filled — the signature Hanukkah sweet that never gets old.

Cabbage never tasted this good — caramelized edges, fresh lime, and a zingy sauce that makes every bite shine.

Salt-cured salmon with fresh herbs — elegant, impressive, and ideal for your Hanukkah brunch spread.

Over-the-top, festive, and completely worth it — a decadent way to start (or end) your Hanukkah day.

A Japanese-inspired twist that fits right in — crispy, savory, and full of flavor.

Sweet, salty, and addictively crunchy — a modern twist on matzo that keeps snackers coming back.

Plant-based, crisp, and full of flavor — the lighter, greener cousin of potato latkes that still brings the crunch.

Sweet, spiced, and skillet-fried — these apple “latkes” taste like Hanukkah met brunch and decided to stick around for dessert.

Triangular, jam-filled cookies that add a fun, symbolic touch to your dessert spread.

Symbolic and stunning — olive oil and citrus come together in a moist, modern celebration cake.

Crispy matzo topped with spicy peanut sauce — an unexpected Hanukkah fusion that works shockingly well.

Chunky applesauce simmered with a touch of cinnamon. Perfect as a sweet side for latkes or a spoonable snack between candle lightings.

Comfort-food royalty: Great for feeding a crowd on a busy Hanukkah morning (or sneaking leftovers for breakfast)

All the deli nostalgia with none of the gluten — A perfect playful plate on the dessert table, balancing sweet and rich in every bite.

Silky crepes wrapped around a lemony sweet-cheese filling and bright raspberry jam — elegant, creamy, and a lovely dairy nod for Hanukkah brunch or dessert.

Irresistible, shareable, and a fabulous side when you want something a little fancier than plain roast potatoes.